89 Par Car, possible starter/gen problems

[rogerlizotte]

I'm new to par car and could use some help. When she's cold she won't always turn over. I've done all the voltage tests.... I can see the starter try and turn, in either forward or reverse, but it only moves the pulley an 1/8 inch or so. Belt tension is good. A jumper cable between the two big bolts on the solenoid gives the same results: nothing. I've got great engine compression, going downhill I hardly need to use the brakes so I tried pulling the plug and presto... she turns right over. Is it my starter then?? If so, do you think I can have it rebuilt at a local shop? i can give them the sevice manual. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Strawhead]

Got any pix? That might help.

[rogerlizotte]

I found a local shop that says they can test and rebuild if needed. I'm just wondering if that's the ticket though.... I guess it's as good a place as any to start.

[Strawhead]

The cheapest new starter that I found was $275.
Had mine rebuilt for $125.
Just a thought.

Good Luck!

[rogerlizotte]

Yep, it's coming off tomorrow morning. It's been turning over that little two-stroke for 23 years so it may be a bit tired. I was figuring about $100.
I'll post the results.

Interviewer to Willie Nelson about the golf course he built on his property:

Interviewer: "That's a nice hole there.... what's par on that hole?"

Willie N: "Twelve,,,,,, and yesterday I birdied it!"

[rogerlizotte]

Had the starter tested today. No problems, works like it should. Cost for testing and a couple of new brushes: $0.00. "Sleepy Hollow Rebuilders" in Forsyth County, Georgia if you're in the area. Then had the battery tested; all good, purchased in 2011. Next step: battery cables, after 23 years..... who knows? Bad cables will cut down on cranking amps for sure. I'll post the results as soon as they're in.

Runs great when it runs!!!! but he squeaks drive me crazy!

[BareProductions]

Is the key switch good? I assume you've got the high current handling forward/rev key switch still in there?

When mine was on the way out I had to jiggle it alot to get the starter to turn...then it just quit working. I think if it's bad even shorting the solenoid won't turn it...as the F/R functions still need to connect throught the switch.

[rogerlizotte]

Thanks for the input. I'll remember that in the future. Anyhow..... put new battery cables on and now all is well. My dad always said look for the simplest things first and again, I didn't follow his advice.

[Strawhead]

Glad to hear that you got it fixed